Lochinvar National Park is a broad floodplain situated at the southernmost part of Kafue Flats. Although the park contains a limited number of animals, it remains a location of remarkable beauty, offering ample opportunities for bird watching, with over 410 recognized bird species distributed across its 428 square kilometers of land.
The park is located on the southern edge of Kafue Flats, a vast floodplain of the Kafue River, nestled between the Kafue Gorge to the east and the Itezhi Tezhi Dam to the west. The park extends from the Kafue River in the north to the forested hills in the south, encompassing an area of about 33 kilometers.
The Chunga Lagoon is shallow yet expansive, with its size significantly varying based on the river’s levels. The varied vegetation, including flood plains, termitaria, and forests, creates a remarkable destination that is truly worth a visit.
It is particularly renowned for its sizable herds of Lechwe, which are unique to the Kafue Flats. Other common antelopes include the oribi, wildebeest, buffalo, and kudu, while water birds are also abundant. The WWF and the IUCN have designated the Kafue Flats as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
A funded management project in the region aims to enhance local natives’ awareness of conservation by redistributing revenue from tourism and managing resource harvesting in a sustainable way. This remarkable ecosystem includes fishermen, some of whom you may encounter, revealing later that wildlife and humans are mutually dependent in this environment.
Top Attractions in Zambia
The Gwisho hot springs, located next to a geographical fault, are enveloped by lush greenery and elegant ivory palms. The convection currents elevate the water to a height of one kilometer, causing the temperature to surge between 60° C and 90° C. The water contains elevated levels of sulphates, sodium, calcium, and chlorine. A unique rock known as ‘fault breccia’ lines the fault and is easily identifiable from both the lodge and Gwisho.
An archaeological site called Sabanzi Hill has been discovered. This location was a settlement during the Iron Age, inhabited for the preceding century. Keep an eye out for the impressive Baobab Tree, known for its enormous hollow trunk that can comfortably fit several people inside for sleeping. Historically, the tree was thought to possess unique powers that safeguarded travelers from the dangers of wild beasts. A peculiar rocky projection known as the Drum Rocks lies near the lodge and produces a reverberating sound when tapped. In ancient times, it was a local superstition that travelers needed to pause and pay their respects to these rocks before continuing their journey.
Alongside the diverse bird population, Lochinvar is home to many zebras, wildebeests, oribi, and buffalos. The park is free from any dangerous animals except for the buffalos, so visitors are highly encouraged to explore on foot. However, vehicles should always remain on the designated roadways. Lochinvar is renowned as an ideal sanctuary for a variety of water birds, woodland birds, migrants, and raptors. Approximately 428 species have been recognized.
Things to do in Lochinvar National Park
Boat Cruise at Lochinvar National Park
After visiting Lochinvar National Park, you can immerse yourself in a variety of activities at the waterlogged areas of the park, including Chunga Lagoon, floodplains, and several rivers where fishing is enjoyed on banana boats.
In this area, visitors can observe animals such as crocodiles and hippos, while also enjoying the beauty of nature. Clients are equipped with swimming gear to refresh themselves after a game and nature walk. Additionally, locals offer their fish products to visitors, providing an authentic experience of African fish and generating income for their livelihoods.
Birdwatching in Lochinvar National Park
Did you know that numerous bird species inhabit the park? Lochinvar serves as a sanctuary for avian life, drawing attention as a primary attraction, with the number of bird species continually on the rise; over 400 species have been documented in the park. Bird watching is most enjoyable at floodplains, where various visitors to the national park can fully appreciate the experience, especially with their binoculars in hand. Some of the bird species include the red-caped robin, African jacana, blue-billed teal, and African pygmy goose, which are easily spotted in the floodplains and forests, enhancing the park’s appeal for bird watchers.
Game Drives In Lochinvar National Park
During game safaris at the park, various herds of animal species can be observed, including blue wildebeest, buffalo, antelopes, and zebras. The game drive takes place in the early morning and evening to maximize animal sightings. Clients are accompanied by armed scouts and knowledgeable guides who share insights about the wildlife. This allows clients to fully immerse themselves in the African safari experience while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Sightseeing in Lochinvar National Park
The park features stunning landscapes, including the chunga lagoons, woodlands, floodplains, botanical gardens, and rivers, all of which provide a delightful view for visitors. Additionally, the morning sunrise and sunset offer a breathtaking sight for tourists.
Cultural excursions in Lochinvar National Park
Explore your cultural interests by visiting Lochinvar National Park in Zambia. The site includes an Iron Age village at Sebanzi Hill, which was inhabited for much of the previous century. It features a hollow baobab tree, thought to provide protection to travelers from wildlife.
The Gwisho hot springs feature a significant amount of preserved animal and plant remains. These hot springs serve as attractions for local wildlife that come to lick the salt deposits, thereby drawing in tourists.
Hiking In Lochinvar National Park
The park area is renowned for its walking safaris, where the few predators allows visitors to observe a variety of wildlife. Among them are the Kafue lechwe, an amphibious antelope gracefully navigating the wetlands, as well as zebras, blue wildebeest, and hippos along the riverbanks. Birdwatchers can also delight in spotting species such as the African jacana.
At the summit of Sebanzi Hill and the hot springs, you can enjoy a lovely view of the park while also observing the remnants of an archaeological site from the Iron Age in the last century, providing an opportunity for physical exercise.
When To Visit Lochinvar National Park
Tourism at Lochinvar National Park occurs year-round. Ideally, this should occur during the dry season when rainfall is minimal, as floodplains become challenging to access from April to August due to the rainy season.
The cooler weather and minimal rainfall create an ideal environment for bird watching. During this season, migratory birds arrive, coinciding with the breeding period that occurs from December to April.
